Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is introducing the Restraining Judicial Activists Act of 2025 to push back against what he calls judicial overreach by “unelected radicals in robes” after a series of rulings have obstructed President Trump’s agenda.
The legislation proposes establishing a three-judge district court to oversee legal challenges against the executive branch. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts would appoint the panel, which would include one circuit judge and two district judges.
“America’s government cannot function if the legitimate orders of our Commander in Chief can be overridden at the whim of a single district court judge,” Lee said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “We have seen them presume to run the military, the civil service, foreign aid, and HR departments across the Executive Branch—blatantly unconstitutional overreach. My legislation will create a judicial panel to expedite Supreme Court review of these blanket injunctions, preventing unelected radicals in robes from sabotaging the separation of powers.”
Lee’s proposal offers an alternative path for Republicans seeking to rein in the judiciary without targeting specific judges. Under the bill, the panel would need a majority agreement to issue rulings, whether preliminary or permanent, with all orders subject to Supreme Court appeal.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are considering additional measures to limit judicial authority. According to Politico, GOP leaders are preparing to bring Rep. Darrell Issa’s (R-CA) bill to a floor vote in early April, which would restrict federal judges from issuing sweeping injunctions.
The House Judiciary Committee is also set to hold hearings on recent rulings next week, Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) announced Monday.
